This Bendakaya Gojju is a classic preparation by my MIL. I have picked up the recipe from her as it is such a simple gravy and yet so flavorful. I first tasted it when I was newly married and had almost my first meal with my new family. I was addicted to it at the get-go and even as a new bride, I shamelessly(?) asked for multiple helpings of the same. Last summer, when we went to India on a vacation, MIL prepared this Gojju for us with so much love that it reminds me of the heavenly taste even today. I remember we were literally licking our fingers lest we should lose the taste of the last drop in the pan!! Trust me, this is a tried and tested recipe from a few generations!

I prepared this gojju as part of the menu I designed for the event 'Design a Menu' happening here in our space. According to the event details, there were a few vegetables (Okra/Bendakaya/Bhendi, Bottle Gourd/Sorrakaya/Lauki and Spinach/Palak), a couple fruits (Apples and Bananas), ToorDal/Kandi Pappu, Oats and/or Whole Wheat Flour. And we had to come up with a 3 course vegetarian meal. So here is what I came up with.

1. Palak - Onion Soup2. Bendakaya Gojju3. Tomato Dal4. Sorrakaya Koora / Bottle Gourd Curry5. Banana Milkshake6. Oats-Apple Halwa(Rice and Yogurt are assumed available).In this menu I have utilized all of the ingredients specified as compulsory. As per rules of the event, I am posting the recipe details of Bendakaya Gojju from the menu above.

This is Andhra version of gojju, right? My mother too uses besan / rice flour / pappula podi to make them. Harini, do we have to come up with an entire menu and post recipe for one item? Is that how it works? If it is so and if you really are looking for recipes with those particular veggies, I think I could give you plenty of ideas. :)

Thanks Archana, Umm Mymoonah, SheenaBabu@Suma Gandlur - you got it right there..looking for a menu and just one recipe is enough, but more the merrier right? Send in recipes for the entire menu too if thats on your mind!